What you need to know when buying washing gels

The market offers a wide range of detergents for washing clothes: powders, gels, soap shavings and others. Nowadays, washing gels are gaining popularity.

Washing gels are solutions of surfactants with high viscosity, ready for use. They are used for washing in cold water 30-40 degrees. The temperature is suitable for items made of wool, synthetics and delicate fabrics.

Chemical composition

The main component is surfactants. Chief among them is sodium lauryl sulfate. It is contained less than in powders. Also, one of the main ingredients are co-surfactants, which gently wash clothes. Enzymes were also used; they remove protein contaminants.

Phosphates are dubious components needed to soften water. They are very strong water pollutants. Some countries legally prohibit the use of phosphates in household chemicals. The Russian Federation currently allows the use of no more than 8%, but a bill on a complete ban on phosphates is already being prepared. Failure may lead to an increase in the proportion of surfactants in the composition, which in turn will lead to longer leaching of the product.

Optical brighteners are used to wash white clothes.The most famous is titanium dioxide, which gives the laundry a bluish tint. Optical brightener is low-hazard, so do not worry. Skin care cosmetics that come into contact with the skin, such as lotion or cream, contain much more of it.

The presence of fragrances ensures that items will have a pleasant aroma after washing.

Advantages and disadvantages of gels

The negative aspects of these detergents include:

• high cost;
• the ability to use only in cold water;
• you can only wash slightly soiled laundry;
• short shelf life;
• do not remove oil and greasy stains well.

Despite the negative aspects, gels have a number of advantages that give the consumer the right to use them instead of washing powders. These include:

• gentle cleaning of delicate fabrics;
• the presence of a measuring cap makes it easier to calculate the dosage of the product;
• after washing, things will be streak-free, there is no need for additional rinsing;
• no need to buy additional fabric softener, clothes are soft and smell nice after drying;
• reduction in the amount of electricity consumed, since washing occurs at low temperatures;
• no "dust", therefore, no allergic reaction. A significant advantage compared to dry powder, the volatile particles of which get into the eyes and respiratory tract.

How to use in a washing machine

If you bought liquid powder for the first time, then you probably don't know how much you need and where it is better to pour it: directly into the drum or is it better to use the detergent compartment?

The manufacturer indicates the required dosage for one cycle on the bottles. It is approximately 75-150 ml.This is a high expense, you will quickly have to buy a new one. This is not beneficial for the buyer.

It has been experimentally established that things will be cleaned effectively when using two tablespoons of gel. This consumption is good for owners of washing machines with a load of 3-5 kg. If the machine has a load of 6-7 kg, then it is better to take 3-4 tablespoons.

It is difficult to answer exactly the question of where to pour liquid powder. Manufacturers have different requirements for the use of this detergent.

Most washing machine compartments are divided into three parts. One of them is designated B or II. Powder is usually poured here; gel is also suitable.

It is worth considering that some washing machine manufacturers prohibit the use of gel products. This means that the option of pouring it into a special container that is placed in a drum is suitable.

Before washing, for it to be effective, you need to take three steps:

• sort the laundry by color – light to light, dark to dark;
• choose a dosage that corresponds to the degree of contamination of things;
• The temperature should be kept at the recommended 30-40 degrees.

Review of popular washing gels

The range of liquid powders is now so large that the average buyer is unlikely to be able to choose the product that is most suitable for him if he does not know the market favorites.

1. Persil. Persil Gel penetrates the fibers and removes any stains. The cellulose enzyme smoothes the fabric. The disadvantages include high price and uneconomical consumption.
2. Frosh. One of the brands recommended by the Green Peace Association. This is due to the fact that the products are environmentally friendly and are not tested on animals. There are no dangerous chemicals in the composition. The main disadvantage is the strong smell.
3. Ariel Gel from Procter & Gamble does not leave streaks and easily copes with stubborn stains without pre-soaking. However, the composition is unsafe due to the presence of chemicals.
4. Liquid powder Losk is one of the most budget-friendly. You can choose an option for any fabric, including wool and silk. Things get soft. A not very healthy composition can cause allergies.
5. Pemos has an unobtrusive smell, the price is “non-biting”. Over time it stops washing.
6. Liquid Tide is great for daily use and does not wash out clothes over time. The disadvantages include a very strong smell on wet things.
7. SARMA Active lily of the valley has a pleasant smell and washes things well. The price for this gel is above average.
8. Spark Drum Laundry Detergent is a phosphate-free gel. Zeolites are used instead; they are safe from an environmental point of view. The product does not require additional use of conditioner, things remain soft.
9. Udalix Oxi Ultra is a universal stain remover at an affordable price. The main advantage is that it removes old stains. The disadvantage is the availability in a small number of stores.
10. DOMAL Sport Felin Fashion - when using this gel, things retain their original color, but it is not suitable for heavy soiling.

How to choose a gel for different types of things

Gels can be universal or intended for a specific type of laundry.

• For white things It is better to take a separate liquid. It contains special substances - optical brighteners, which return clothes to a snow-white color. You should never take gels containing chlorine, as it can damage the fabric and also cause an allergic reaction.
• To black things retain their rich color, you can use a separate product. The dye is washed out of all fabrics over time; dark clothes can turn gray in a couple of washes. Special gels for black fabric do not contain bleaches that lighten the thread, so it would be appropriate to use them. There should be no chlorine in the composition.
• Colored things need to be washed separately from blacks and whites, be sure to sort by color to avoid “dye swapping”. Gels designed for things of different colors help maintain a rich shade.
• Special liquid powders for woolen items do not allow them to stretch and change their original shape. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the composition: there should be no aggressive substances or alkali (it is strictly prohibited for detergent manufacturers).
• Means for down jackets and jackets should be chosen based on the composition. The active substance should be lanolin, it creates protection for the structure of the down on the lining.

Washing baby clothes using gel

To maintain the hygiene and health of the child, children's clothes should be washed as often as possible.

When purchasing liquid, you need to know that young children are very vulnerable to the negative effects of chemicals. These additives irritate the skin.

The product must effectively remove all contaminants while maintaining the color and shape of things. You need to take care of delicate fabrics, because they require gentle care.

The most popular gels for children's underwear on the Russian market are:

• Eared nanny is a line of Russian production. It removes dirt in cold water and does not deform things after frequent use.There is a main disadvantage: it contains phosphates and surfactants, therefore, they can cause allergies in children.
• Burti Hygiene removes stains and disinfects things. Suitable for washing white items.
• Pigeon is a worthy competitor to the Burti Hygiene brand line. Pigeon is hypoallergenic and does not require additional rinsing.

Products from brands such as Myth, Tide, Pemos or Persil are not suitable for washing children's clothes. They contain many surfactants, fragrances and toxins.

Features of gels in capsules

Gels in capsules are good because they can remove stains and do not require dosage because they are enclosed in a shell. However, if the drum is not fully loaded, only part of the contents cannot be used, which significantly increases consumption.

Each buyer will understand how to use the capsules. You need to place the product at the bottom of the drum and place things on top. During the washing process, the shell will dissolve and the contents of the capsule will fall on the clothes.

What buyers say

Some housewives are quite conservative; they prefer to use old, proven detergents. But there are still those who are ready to try new things.

Judging by the reviews, many highly appreciated the Power Wash brand; it copes with dirt even in cold water at the highest level and does not contain phosphates.

Ariel has received a lot of mixed reviews. On the one hand, it removes old stains. On the other hand, allergies may occur due to the too aggressive composition.